A History of Agriculture in India v2.c73.s7: European Novelties
A History of Agriculture in India v2.c73.s7
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European Novelties
v2.c73.s7.1
It was not only in the religion of the Europeans that Akbar took interest. He was also keen to know about their inventions, including musical instruments. Abu-l-Fazl mentions that ‘one Haji Habib was sent to the port of Goa, with a large sum of money and intelligent artisans, to examine and bring to the Emperor’s knowledge the various productions of art and skill to be found in that town. He returned to the Court along with a number of men clad in Christian garb, and beating drums and playing European instruments. He presented fabrics which he had selected. The artisans who had gone there to acquire knowledge exhibited their skill, and received applause. Musicians of that country played upon various instruments, especially upon the organ, and gave great delight to all who heard them.’²
v2.c73.s7.2
² Abu-l-Fazl, *Akbar-nama*, in Elliot and Dowson, *The History of India*..., Vol. VI, p. 57